Ifitedunu Town Union Inspires Pupils at Maiden Career Seminar, Urges Early Career Planning
By Gabriel Chy Alonta
To inspire academic excellence and purposeful career development among young learners, the Ifitedunu Town Union, Dunukofia Local Government Area of Anambra State, on Friday, July 10, 2026, hosted its maiden Career Seminar for primary school pupils drawn from public, private and mission schools across the community.
The event, held at the Ifitedunu Civic Centre, attracted over 450 pupils from 14 primary schools, alongside education administrators, guidance counsellors, career professionals, parents and community leaders.
Declaring the seminar open, the President General of Ifitedunu Town Union and Chairman of the occasion, Engr. Professor Stephen Ufoaroh, described the initiative as a deliberate investment in the future of the community, stressing that exposing children to career opportunities at an early age would help them make informed educational and life choices.
Professor Ufoaroh urged parents and guardians to take full advantage of the Anambra State Government’s free education policy by ensuring that every child has access to quality education without fear of financial constraints.
According to him, the Ifitedunu Town Union has continued to complement government efforts through various educational support programmes, including sponsorship of students for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
He further disclosed that the Union operates a scholarship scheme for indigent students aspiring to gain admission into tertiary institutions, as well as undergraduates whose parents are unable to finance their education.
The President General explained that the maiden career seminar was conceived to “catch them young” by exposing pupils to different professions and inspiring them to dream beyond their present circumstances.
He expressed concern over the growing involvement of some youths in drug abuse, kidnapping and other social vices, noting that early career guidance and quality education remain effective tools for preventing such negative behaviours.
Professor Ufoaroh further advised parents not to deny their children educational opportunities, emphasizing that formal education provides the foundation upon which every successful career is built.
Speaking during the seminar, the Head of the Guidance and Counselling Unit for Ifitedunu Primary Schools, Amb. Solomon Nwankwo, encouraged parents to allow their children discover and pursue careers that align with their interests, talents and abilities instead of imposing personal preferences on them.
He noted that guidance and counselling professionals have a critical responsibility to assist pupils in making realistic and informed career choices while helping them remain focused on their educational aspirations.
Amb. Nwankwo commended the Ifitedunu Town Union for initiating the programme and appreciated the Dunukofia Local Government Education Authority for its support towards improving the educational development of children in the community.
The seminar featured presentations by accomplished professionals from diverse fields, who shared practical insights into their careers and encouraged the pupils to remain disciplined, hardworking and committed to their studies.
Among the resource persons were Commander Ndubuisi Obi (Rtd.), who delivered a virtual presentation from the United States of America; Barr. Chijioke Ifedioranma; Mrs. Amarachi Amalunze, ASUBEB Guidance and Counselling Desk Officer; Miss Ifunanya Nwachukwu (Medicine/Nursing); Mr. Chris Chikelue (Journalism); Mrs. Oge Ezekwesili (Teaching); Mrs. Chisom Anyadubalu (Nutrition); and Mrs. Chioma Onu (Fashion Design), among others.
Also in attendance were the Head of Service, Dunukofia Local Government Education Authority, Mrs. Ifeyinwa Ezechi, and the Guidance and Counselling Desk Officer, Dunukofia Local Government Education Authority, Mrs. Peace Ajegbo, who commended the initiative as a timely intervention in promoting career awareness among young learners.
Speaking on behalf of the participating pupils, some of the children expressed appreciation to the organisers, describing the seminar as enlightening and inspiring. They said the programme had strengthened their determination to pursue their dream careers with confidence and dedication.
